Quiet week... just laying low....

It has been a quiet week here in Florida and we have just been enjoying the sunshine. Roger has had a relapse of his bronchitis so is now taking antibiotics. I have the residual cough which is annoying but I can live with for now. We have laid low most of the week and are getting ourselves in top for shape for Norma and Russ who are coming on Sunday for a fun filled week with us.

We have been using skype and video facebook with many of you and enjoy the video visits. It is so nice to see faces and keep in touch with everyone. The computer is a marvelous tool. Monday night we drove down to Stuart to see friends we know from Ninette at the pelican yacht club.  Old sailors are everywhere. We had a great evening and it was nice to chat with fellow Canadians.

Politics is a grand thing down here and I have learned just to smile and nod. Everyone has their opinion on what’s going on in the good ol’ USA and who is to blame. Yes, sometimes it is better not to say a thing.  Hard to do on occasion, but none the less, just smile and nod.  The next great topic is football, OMG it is crazy how fired up people get over it. Superbowl is on its way so it is an intense topic right now. Whew! Another case to smile and nod and for sure do not say you don’t know the teams playing or you get a running commentary of the whole season. It is really difficult to smile through that when you really don’t care.  Being polite can have its disadvantages. People are very friendly though and I have come to enjoy their company.

The weather has been 26 and 27 C. this week with a few clouds and a light breeze….beautiful weather for reading poolside. They say it is going to rain today, but we will see.  We have learned the weather network is often very wrong so we just look outside and and hope for the best. It all seems good to us.  

Take everyone and talk to you soon.

Our walk along the Atlantic ocean on Sunday morning....

Roger finds some prized little shells....

The weekend again......

Here we are coming to the end of the  3^rd week in Florida. Wow , where did the time go. We seem to be settled in and have a semi routine going here. Our mornings are slow  as we enjoy our coffee looking out at the marina watching what’s happening with the boats. Today the sun is shining, the water is flat and there is a beautiful reflection of the boats glistening on the water. There does not appear to be any dolphins this morning, but the silver fish jump and create small circular ripples on an otherwise glass like surface.  Pinch me……yes its real.

Yesterday we headed inland to Lake Okeechobee as Roger always likes an adventure. It turned out that this is very poor area and we were saddened to see just how the poor economy has really hit an already low economic community.  There were some orange orchards  and sugar cane  fields that draw migrant workers who also are very poor.  The housing was very depressing for these workers and I wonder how it is allowed to exist. The churches often provide food and clothing to these families so they can survive. The lake itself is surrounded by a huge levy with limited access so we did not see as much of the lake area as we would have liked.  There were empty houses, farms, and plantations which you could tell at one time were quite beautiful but now are in total disarray.  It sure showed us a totally different side to Florida. As we traveled back we saw a definite improvement in the economic status the closer we got to the toward the coast.  One thing we were amazed at were massive trucks, full to the top with oranges, carrying their  loads just like trucks in Manitoba carry potatoes or sugar beets. I don’t think I have ever seen so many oranges in one place.

It is market morning so we will be off soon to the Fort Pierce Saturday market at the Fort Pierce marina to get some fresh fruit and veggies and explore the craft market. We also enjoy the music of the live bands especially the blues and jazz as you enter the market. It is hot today so the market will be very busy.

Oh…time to go…..will write more later!!!!

What a great market today. There were many more crafters and artist stands and extra fruit and vegetable stands along with some great eatery, beverage and bakery spots. It was very packed today as the weather was so beautiful and there were extra activities going on downtown. After the market there was an antique trunk sale on the main street. It is a blocked off street with cars lining both sides with the trunks of their cars filled with things to sell. Kind of a neat idea and each car has a unique design for their trunk and junk. Apparently this type of trunk sale is very popular here.  The artist community is very big around this area and it becomes very apparent at the market who is a craft maker and who is an artist. The artistic jewelry that is handmade is lovely as are the paintings and batik work. There are so many nice things to look at just for the pleasure of seeing it and not  if only looking to buy. The market is a great way to spend a morning even just to browse.  Don’t get me wrong there is a lot of selling and buying going on as people leave with their bags full.

This afternoon was pool time and relaxation in the sun. There was a light breeze to keep you cool and a warm sun to bask in…..heavenly! Roger packed it in early opting to go back and dabble in his painting and art work. Much too stressful for me, so I just read and swam and chatted with the ladies..….a perfect afternoon.  Before supper we took a drive down to below the bridge and watched the dolphins and the pelicans scout for their supper. Those pelicans can be very aggressive with other birds and could take a round out of someone if they set their mind to it. At least I would not want to get between a pelican and his fish. The evening cooled off quickly once the sun started to set so our little adventure ended sooner that we thought,(should have taken a sweater) but it was nice just the same to watch the boats come in and families picnic and fish along the inlet shore.  

Tomorrow promises to be a hot day so we may spend some time down at the ocean walking the beach or taking pictures of what comes along. Nothing to stressful just going with the flow and enjoying the moment.

Take care all!

Carol

Roger enjoying his fresh fruit smoothie!

That's me in my new seagrass hat purchased at the market! 

Roger and I taking a break at the manitee center
down at the main harbour.

A line of  tents going into the market area.

This pelican is looking at me!

a dolphin playing in the marina outside our condo this morning
having a fish breakfast I imagine...

Windy and warm...

The past couple days have been a bit windy and we can hear the wind whistling through the rigging on the boats. At first I thought it would be annoying, but now the sound is kind of comforting as the sound could  lull you to sleep.  The boats rock in the harbour to the rhythm of the wind and you can hear the the water lap against the boats and dock. The slap slap slap of the rippling waves reminds us of just how close the water is. Tonight you can hear the voices carry across the water as the fishermen and boaters close up their boats for the night. The lights around the harbour cause a shimmer across the water, so beautiful, but impossible to capture on camera.

Yesterday the wind brought out the kite surfers down on the ocean front beside the jetty. It was quite the spectacle to see as they floated across the water at great speed and  did their flips and turns like it was nothing. I could definitely see it would be a sport Martyn would love. It was fast and on a board…need I say more. Amazingly, there were men and women of various generations tied into a kite harnesses and hanging on to hand ropes on the kite, steering their kiting board across the surface of the ocean. A sport that requires not only skill, but strength and a love for speed! 

Today we went to the pool before supper for a little water time. The pool was so warm today and was perfect for a late afternoon swim and chat with the ladies while enjoying the water as the sun shone down warming the pool.  Roger and the other men relaxed in the hot tub discussing boats and fishing, and football.  Once the ladies joined the hot tub the discussion moved to what restaurants to eat in and where to get the best deals on groceries and shopping. One of the men, a fisherman, made sure we knew what fish and seafood to eat and how to cook it….the best way.  Of course the main ingredient for the best flavor…..yes, it is butter!

We have met some very nice people and are amazed at how welcome they make us feel.  The home owners and “regulars” enjoy it here so much they want others to enjoy it as well, which is great.

We hear the weather is turning colder up in Canada so we are thankful for our time here. Although the locals say we are going through a cold snap we only laugh and say it’s not so bad!

Take care all and keep warm.

Carol

kite surfers

doing a flip in the air above the water.

Not sure what bird this is, but it likes to fish in the pond out front

a few pics....

a sea of boats in the Fort Pierce harbour

where I love to spend my days.....

the walk along the seaway to the ocean

a Florida sunset

life goes on....

Another great week here in the sunshine. Today is the first day I have slept beyond 8 am so I must be getting into a real relaxed mode. I have been doing exercises in the pool so perhaps it is the extra activity that is making me sleep so well. My muscles tell me they have been getting a workout, which all in all is a good thing.

We made a trip to Vero Beach to check out the Outlet mall and get a sense of the shopping there. Although we did not do much shopping this time we found some really neat stores so when we go back we know where to go. We checked out some of the other malls and box stores and were impressed with the variety of places to shop. I will definitely have to go back and do some real shopping later on.

Roger has been to another art class and seems quite taken with it. His “masterpiece” is coming along nicely and he is starting some other projects. It has given him something to do as he does not want to be at the pool as much as I do. He wants to be on the go or constantly doing something. Me, I am quite content to relax and read and swim or just watch the birds or boats. We are slowly working out a happy medium that suits the both of us. Life is taking on its own form here and I am happy we have the 3 months to enjoy the new lifestyle. I think we are getting a bit spoiled with all the amenities here although I am not sure I am ready for condo living yet.

We have tried the local fresh seafood and last night had fresh prawns. They were delicious and so full of flavour. Once I got over the shelling them and watched their bodies pink up….. ooooh, it was yummy! We plan to hit the fish market today or tomorrow and try a few more treats from the ocean. The women at the pool told me about some good outdoor fruit and veggie markets and other places to pick up local cuisine. We will check it out for sure.

We plan on heading down the coast today towards Stuart and Jensen beach to check out the area. No timeline, no rush, just a leisurely drive.

Take care all!

Carol

A week gone already.....

It is hard to believe we have finished a whole week. We are finally settled and feel like we can sit back and relax. I am feeling better and no longer wheeze and only have an occasional cough. Amazing what antibiotics can do. All things seem good and we are slipping into an easy going lifestyle.

The people here are very friendly and we have had some lovely chats with people from all over the states. Florida seems to be a destination for a lot of Americans as well as Canadians hoping to escape the winter. Our daily life is taking on a shape of its own with walks, reading and afternoons at the pool soaking in the sun. The pool is like bath water and has no chlorine which is a real bonus. It tastes salty so I am wondering if it isn’t a salt water pool, but regardless it is clean and warm and a great place to spend the day.

Roger especially enjoys the walks along the Atlantic inlet waterway watching the boats come and go and talking to the fisherman.  Fishing is a big thing here and everyone seems to have a boat of some kind or 2 or 3 fishing rods on the go. We have seen many things come out of the ocean including a puffer fish, stingray and a  jelly fish….kind of deters you from swimming in the ocean. Of course there were many kinds of good eating fish as well which we have tried. 

We headed out on Friday to the Friday Fest down on the harbour at 5-8pm.It happens every first Friday of the month.  There is live music, food and beer/wine vendors, and craft sellers and lots of things to look at. The place was packed and everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves. The evening was warm and the lights of the boats in the Fort  Pierce harbour were beautiful.

Saturday brought an early morning to the market, again down at the harbour. This was a very large market with many rows of craft vendors, jazz musicians playing, artists, and a whole section for the farmers market with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit. Mixed in was the bread sellers and food vendors offering a variety of different cultural food and the fish market as well. It was a great morning taking in this weekly market and we definitely plan to go again.

The fish market was a big draw and we bought   fresh Atlantic salmon, clams, and huge prawns. The salmon was delicious and melted in your mouth like butter. I have to say the clams tasted good, but I was not fussy on the texture. We have yet to try out the prawns and opted instead to throw them in the freezer for now. The honey tangerines are really good and so fresh as are the avocados and fresh plums. Yummy! We look forward to next Saturday to see what else the market has to offer. It was such a neat experience to see people sitting along the  harbour walk wall eating their market fair and enjoying the music and each other’s company.

Roger began his painting classes today and so far seems impressed with the direction the instructor is going. I just hung out at the pool in the sun reading my book and enjoying chatter around the pool.  It is mostly the same people every day that are there so you get to know the local crowd…. although I am terrible with names.

All in all things are good and we are adjusting to this different but delightful lifestyle. Take care all and well will talk soon.  

This is the view from our Florida room. This was taken in the morning while having our coffee.

Moving on in.....

January, 2 2012

We have moved in to the condo and are gradually getting settled.  Yesterday we unpacked, did laundry, picked up a few food essentials and then just lazed about watching the boats in the harbour before nodding off for a nap. We are impressed with our place and marvel at its size and location. It is very open and airy and the view of the harbour is wonderful.  You can curl up on the oversized basket chair and watch the boats come in and out or just sit and enjoy the view of the water.  Come afternoon the sun warms the Florida room with heat and light and a lovely breeze can be felt through the large open patio doors. We have been opening everything up every morning to catch a breeze opting for fresh air rather than air conditioning. Morning coffee in the fresh air, afternoon naps in the sun, what more could one want.

Today we went to get the rest of our groceries and a few other things we needed. We tried out the Super Wal-Mart, but from now on will just go to the local market or Publix (like Sobeys).I guess Wal-Mart is a crazy place no matter where you are. We are set for a while so no need to trek the grocery aisles any time soon. Of course I say that and tomorrow I will remember something I should have picked up……come to think of it I forget cucumber. Oh well, salad minus cucumber is not the end of the world.

I still have my cold and cough and it seems to be taking its time moving on. I bought some new cough medicine today and it seems to be helping. Hopefully just a few more days I should be feeling like new….at least that is my hope.

The weather has been sunny and unseasonably warm the past few days, but a cold front is coming according to the weatherman. Tonight there is a frost warning out and it is supposed to be cool the rest of the week.  We are not concerned as it is time to rest up and read and there is lots to see and do around here even in cooler weather.

Roger has made contact with a painting teacher and starts lessons next Monday. There are only 4 or 5 students in the class so it should be good. His meeting with her went well and he is ready to get started. No painting for me though as I want to enjoy my vacation. Painting to me is like sewing, an exercise in frustration…. by the time I am finished what I am making I want to cut it up with scissors. No, I do not think I have the temperament for painting, nor the skill so I will keep my sanity intact and read a book.

Hope you are all well and happy.

Cheers for now!